Claire Elizabeth (Upshaw) Williamson

Claire Elizabeth Upshaw Williamson was born September 18th 1957 and passed peacefully in Newnan, Georgia on November 19th, 2022 after a six year battle with early onset Alzheimer's disease. She was 65 years old.

She is preceded in death by Jacques Hartwell Upshaw and Norma Claire Rittler Upshaw of East Point Georgia.

She is survived by her husband, Brent Almand Williamson of Newnan, Georgia, her two children, Marlene Elizabeth Williamson Call (Chris) of Jefferson Georgia, James DeForest Williamson of Morganton, North Carolina, and her grandson Samuel Jacques Call. She also leaves behind her two siblings, Madeline Gaines Upshaw, Mark Sinclair Upshaw (Myra), and her nieces and nephews, Matthew, Christine, and Jennifer, many great-nieces and nephews, and many great friends and loved-ones.

Claire married her Headland High-school sweetheart, Brent on May 12th 1979. Brent and Claire were married for 43 years and over those years they built a life full of love and adventure. Brent took early retirement to provide and care for Claire during the last six years and took her on many wonderful adventures. One thing she seemed to always enjoy was a car ride to the mountains.

Her greatest adventures and loves were her two beautiful children. Marlene brought such joy and pride to Claire’s life. Her second child, James brought laughter and excitement into their home and many adventures as he grew up. Claire leaves behind a beautiful story of a life well lived. She was a dedicated wife and mother who did everything from homeschooling her children and making clothing to tending to the family garden.

Claire loved people and animals with all of her heart. She would do anything to help anyone in need. She was always willing to drop everything to help someone even before being asked. From dropping off a care package to a sick friend, to collecting clothes for an emergency foster placement, to taking in any stray pup who needed a home, to volunteering in her community. Claire was a giver, and she gave to others with her whole heart and never expected anything in return. She often adopted elderly community members as her own and acted as a bonus parent to Marlene and James’ friends. She would often be found on the side of the road, rescuing a stray turtle.

Claire had many hobbies such as sewing, cooking, crafting, and her greatest love was for horses. Claire began riding at a young age and in her teenage years volunteered at Little Hope Ranch where her passion for horses grew stronger. She found such peace and happiness from being in a barn surrounded by the smell of hay, sweet feed, and leather.

Most importantly, Claire loved the Lord. She found peace and comfort in her Bible during hardships in her life. Her desire for a closer relationship with Jesus only provided more adventures for her as she hungered to not only know Him but for her family to grow in their walk with Him as well. It’s because of Claire’s faith in Jesus that we can draw comfort and peace knowing her mind has been restored, her body is made new, and we will one day see her again.

Claire leaves a legacy of compassion and kindness and we will all miss her dearly.

A burial is planned for Wednesday, November 23rd at 1:00 P.M. at Pine Log United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rydal, Georgia (No service).

Donations can be made in Claire’s name to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at donate.lovetotherescue.org - you can select to donate in someone’s honor

Claire’s family wishes to invite you to join them for a Celebration of her life on Saturday December 3rd at 11am at her longtime home in Newnan Georgia. Should you need the address please contact Bethany Honea at 972-979-2187 or by email at [email protected] she will be able to provide the most up-to-date information on Claire’s Celebration of Life.

Love one another deeply, from the heart - 1 Peter 1:22

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.carmichaelhemperleypeachtree.com for the Williamson family.